Those times in life when unforeseen circumstances force us to circle without a place to land. When we can’t seem to move past the moment. When our energy drains away so we have nothing left to lift us out of the doldrums When life severs our serenity. Tragedy. Loss. Illness. Disillusionment. Disappointment. Failure Everyone’s list …
The Ringing of the Bells Poem
Have you ever felt desperate for grace? Just a whisper from heaven to calm your angst? The assurance that everything is going to be ok? The Ringing of the Bells puts into words and images this cry of the heart. https://youtu.be/76NskJoH4m0 If troubles were akin to a turbulent sea crashing upon the coastline, perhaps we …
A Grief Endured
I revisited a post and poem dating back to March 2, 2012 and decided to create a video version: https://youtu.be/o6Jk0_uNqJU Here's the former post: This morning I received another phone call informing me of another precious friend who has died. This is the fifth person in the last two weeks. From ages 19 to 82, …
The Heron of Hope
My brother tells of a heron that is hunting squirrels around his barn. He sees the big bird in his mind’s eye as he describes this odd occurrence to me at a family gathering. “JoDee, there’s a heron hanging around our barn. It’s this tall I tell you.” He motions with his hand. I wonder …
The Extraction
When shards of life slice through our souls and lodge in our hearts, character flaws form and fester around these painful experiences: We find ourselves overcompensating with ambition for injuries to self-esteem suffered in childhood.We grow suspicious and cynical because of abandonment suffered from disloyal relationships.Negative experiences with churches, employers, or organizations sully our trust …
The In-between Place
There is this in-between place that exits between our humanity and God's grace.